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  Casualty Lists of the Royal Navy and Dominion Navies, World War 2
Researched & compiled by Don Kindell, all rights reserved

1st - 31st DECEMBER 1939 -  in date, ship/unit & name order

Damage received by HMS Exeter in Battle of the River Plate, 13 December  1939 (Navy Photos/Paul SImpson and Ian Mort, click to enlarge) on to January 1940
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Notes:

(1) Casualty information in order - Surname, First name, Initial(s), Rank and part of the Service other than RN (RNR, RNVR, RFR etc), Service Number (ratings only, also if Dominion or Indian Navies), (on the books of another ship/shore establishment, O/P – on passage), Fate

(2) Click for abbreviations

(3) Click for lists by Name in the Casualties Homepage

(4) Background military and maritime events have been added (in grey boxes). More information may be found in Ship Histories, Navies Day-by-Day and War Diaries. You can also go to Naval History Homepage and type the ship name in Site Search.




DECEMBER 1939

Canada - The first Canadian troop convoy TC1, sailed from Halifax, Nova Scotia for Britain, heavily escorted and accompanied part of the way by Canadian destroyers. 

Merchant Shipping War - Trawlers were the main victims of the first successful attacks by German aircraft off the East Coast. By the end of March they had accounted for 30 vessels of 37,000 tons. Losses from mines remained high - 33 ships of 83,000 tons in December.



Friday, 1 December 1939
 
Chitral, armed merchant cruiser
 SHORT, John C, Chief Petty Officer Stoker, T.124, drowned
 
 
Saturday, 2 December 1939
 
Hermes, aircraft carrier
 SHELDON, Herbert, Able Seaman, D/J 25336, died
 
Pembroke, RN Base, Chatham
 DOWNS, John A O, Chief Petty Officer, C/ 218378, died
 
Royal Arthur, RN Training Establishment, Skegness, Lincs
 MASON, Sidney, Ordinary Seaman, JX 169146, died
 
Vendetta (RAN), destroyer
 BETON, Henry E, Able Seaman, RAN, 13383, illness
 
 
Sunday, 3 December 1939
 
Cheshire, armed merchant cruiser
 MACIVER, William J, Seaman, RNR, D/X 19283 A, died
 
James Ludford, Admiralty trawler
 GILMOUR, William A, Seaman, RNR (PS), LT/X 19248 A, died
 
 
Monday, 4 December 1939

 4th - Returning from the hunt for the German battle-cruisers after the sinking of "Rawalpindi" on the 23rd November, battleship "Nelson" was damaged by a mine laid by "U-31" off Loch Ewe, northwest Scotland.

4th - On patrol off the Heligoland Bight, submarine "Salmon" (Lt Cdr Bickford) sank outward bound "U-36". She was successful again nine days later.

Boadicea, destroyer
 DAVIS, Ernest F, Able Seaman, C/JX 134079, accident, died
 
Delhi, light cruiser
 LEITH, Horace W, Mechanician, C/K 21046, died
 
Zaza, auxiliary patrol yacht
 JENKINS, Norman G, Sub Lieutenant, RNR, died
 
 
Tuesday, 5 December 1939
 
Escapade, destroyer
 BENNETT, William J, Able Seaman, D/J 13085, drowned
 CAVES, Robert, Stoker 2c, D/KX 97125, drowned
 
 
Wednesday, 6 December 1939
 
Washington, minesweeping trawler, ship loss
 CASEY, Frederick H, 3rd Hand, NAP, (aka F H Kaiser), MPK
 COLBY, Henry E, Cook, NAP, MPK
 CRAIG, William H S, 2nd Hand, NAP, MPK
 GREATWOOD, Harold V, 2nd Engineman, NAP, MPK
 JENNISON, Joseph A, Skipper, RNR, MPK
 LYON, John, 1st Engineman, NAP, MPK
 NICHOLSON, Laidlow, Fireman, NAP, MPK
 
 
Thursday, 7 December 1939
 
Jersey, destroyer (right - NavyPhotos), torpedoed

  ASHER, Maurice, Leading Writer, P/MX 53540, MPK
 BLOWERS, George L, Gunner (T), MPK
 CROWDER, George, Able Seaman, P/SSX 17917, MPK
 DENTON, William L, Leading Stoker, P/KX 80288, MPK
 MORRIS, John Le C, Lieutenant (E), MPK
 REBINDAINE, John, Stoker 1c, P/K 60777, MPK
 ROWLINSON, Walter, Stoker 1c, P/KX 79865, killed, buried ashore  
 SMITH, Sidney G, Able Seaman, P/JX 141592, killed, buried ashore  
 WHITE, Robert H, Stoker 1c, P/KX 79685, MPK
 WHITFIELD, Thomas W, Leading Seaman, P/J 99200, killed, buried ashore
 
 
Friday, 8 December 1939
 
FAA, 803 Sqn, Ark Royal, fleet carrier, flying in Skua, air crash
 BETHELL, Peter T, Act/Sub Lieutenant (A), killed
 
Fortitude, RN Base, Ardrossan, Scotland
 DIXON, Edward, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 170525, died
 
 
Saturday, 9 December 1939
 
Jeanie Deans, paddle minesweeper
 MAYNE, James, Petty Officer, RNR, P/ 7077 C, died
 
Scawfell, paddle minesweeper
 SIMMONS, Ernest H, Able Seaman, P/JX 164730, died
 
Woolwich, destroyer depot ship
 RASMUSSEN, George H T, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 163105, died
 
 
Sunday, 10 December 1939
 
Eskimo, destroyer
 JONES, Alexander M, Able Seaman, C/SSX 16903, drowned
 
Kutubtari (RIN), auxiliary patrol vessel
 IMDAD, Mian A B, Ordinary Seaman, 71055 (RIN), died
 
Ray of Hope, minesweeping drifter, ship loss
 BENSON, Harold, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 170577, killed
 COULL, Joseph, Engineman, RNR (PS), LT/X 350 ET, MPK
 HATHERALL, Frederick, Stoker, RNPS, LT/X 102595, MPK
 KING, Arthur W, Assistant Cook, RNPS, LT/JX 164585, killed
 MEADOWS, Richard W J, Engineman, RNPS, LT/KX 99965, MPK
 SMITH, James S, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 99079, MPK
 THOMPSON, James E, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 170589, killed
 WALKER, George A, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 170556, killed
 WILKIE, John H, Ordinary Signalman, P/ESD/X 1664, MPK
 
Salopian, armed merchant cruiser
 MARSDEN, William J, Assistant Steward, T.124 1052776, MPK
 
Vanoc, destroyer
 VAUGHAN, William B F, Stoker Petty Officer, P/K 49872, died
 
Vesper, destroyer
 ORCHARD, Frederick J, Seaman, RNR, C/ X 19559 A, drowned
 
 
Monday, 11 December 1939
 
Pembroke, RN Base, Chatham
 HASKER, Noel L, Able Seaman, C/JX 134580, drowned
 
Selkirk, minesweeper
 MITCHELL, Frank E, Lieutenant (E), illness
 
 
Tuesday, 12 December 1939

12th - Battleship Barham was involved in two incidents in December. On the 12th in the North Channel separating Northern Ireland and Scotland, she collided with and sank one of her screening destroyers DUCHESS.

Duchess, destroyer, ship loss (Survivor list included)
 ABBOTT, Thomas, Stoker, RFR, C/SS 123291, MPK
 AH, Fong, Chinese Leading Steward, MPK
 AH, Tat, Chinese Steward, MPK
 ALLEN, John, Telegraphist, C/JX 143723, MPK
 ANDERSON, Robert, Ordinary Seaman, C/SSX 21970, MPK
 ANDREWS, Herbert, Leading Cook, P/MX 50088, MPK
 BACON, Herbert, Able Seaman, C/JX 146238, MPK
 BAINES, Arthur, Act/Leading Seaman, C/JX 131955, MPK
 BANGAY, Eric, Able Seaman, C/JX 139486, MPK
 BANNING, Frederick, Stoker 1c, C/KX 79438, MPK
 BARBER, Robert, Petty Officer, C/J 55514, MPK
 BARNES, Davidson, Able Seaman, C/SSX 15020, MPK
 BARSTAD, Percy, Ordinary Seaman, C/SSX 28181, MPK
 BASHFORD, Frank, Chief Petty Officer Stoker Petty Officer, C/K 59918, MPK
 BATEMAN, Thomas, Able Seaman, C/SSX 22466, MPK
 BIGGIN, Cyril, Act/Leading Seaman, P/J 111132, MPK
 BLOUNT, William, Ordinary Seaman, C/SSX 26455, MPK
 BOND, Richard, Able Seaman, C/JX 127210, MPK
 BRASS, Robert, Engine Room Artificer 3c, C/MX 50780, MPK
 BRIDGER, Cyril, Act/Leading Stoker, C/KX 83612, MPK
 BROADWAY, Albert, Able Seaman, C/SSX 15153, MPK
 BROCKMAN, Ernest, Stoker 1c, C/KX 90754, MPK
 BROMHEAD, Ernest, Signalman, C/JX 137283, MPK
 BROWN, George, Able Seaman, D/J 110606, MPK
 BURGESS, Albert, Act/Leading Seaman, C/JX 138593, MPK
 BURT, William, Leading Signalman, C/JX 133147, MPK
 BURTON, Thomas, Able Seaman, C/SSX 23114, MPK
 CHALLIS, Lewis, Petty Officer, C/JX 129767, MPK
 CHAPMAN, Albert, Electrical Artificer 1c, C/M 37050, MPK
 CHEDZEY, Bernard, Leading Sick Berth Attendant, P/MX 41403, MPK
 CHOI, Wey, Chinese Petty Officer Steward, MPK
 CLARK, Denis, Leading Stoker, C/KX 83303, MPK
 CLARK, Wiiliam, Able Seaman, C/JX 156449, MPK
 CLEAVELY, John, Able Seaman, C/SSX 21709, MPK
 CROOK, Reginald, Able Seaman, C/J 100457, MPK
 CROUCHER, Edward, Able Seaman, C/JX 127407, MPK
 DAWES, Alec, Petty Officer, C/J 115321, MPK
 DEBOCK, Stephen, Ordinary Seaman, C/SSX 28160, MPK
 DIXON, Vernon, Petty Officer Cook, C/MX 45030, MPK
 DOCWRA, John, Act/Leading Seaman, C/JX 139631, MPK
 DONALDSON, Austin, Petty Officer, C/J 115082, MPK
 DONOVAN, Patrick, Stoker 1c, C/KX 92792, MPK
 DOWNS, Frederick, Able Seaman, C/JX 129253, MPK
 EATON, Geoffrey, Able Seaman, C/SSX 18140, MPK
 EDDLESTONE, Herbert, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 151943, MPK
 EMMINS, William, Able Seaman, C/JX 134008, MPK
 FLACK, Charles, Able Seaman, C/SSX 23005, MPK
 FORREST, George, Ordinary Seaman, C/SSX 28175, MPK
 FORSDYKE, Douglas, Act/Leading Signalman, C/JX 136328, MPK
 FOSTER, Leslie, Ordinary Seaman, C/SSX 28154, MPK
 GILHAM, Thomas, Stoker 1c, C/KX 93230, MPK
 GINNS, Henry, Leading Seaman, C/J 68187, MPK
 GLADING, Philip, Able Seaman, C/SSX 14648, MPK
 GODFREY, Gordon, Ordnance Artificer 1c, C/MX 36714, MPK
 GORDON, Hugh, Gunner (T), MPK
 GULSON, Frank, Able Seaman, C/SSX 28189, MPK
 HAIGH, David, Stoker 1c, C/KX 82128, MPK
 HALSTEAD, John, Stoker Petty Officer, C/KX 79219, MPK
 HAMER, James, Able Seaman, C/SSX 21978, MPK
 HARRISON, Herbert, Stoker 1c, C/KX 91977, MPK
 HARRISON, John, Stoker 1c, C/KX 93372, MPK
 HARVEY, Geoffrey, Able Seaman, C/JX 147999, MPK
 HAYWARD, Percy, Leading Stoker, C/KX 82538, MPK
 HEBDON, Lionel, Act/Leading Seaman, C/JX 142997, MPK
 HOPPER, Reginald, Able Seaman, C/J 114298, MPK
 HOULT, Kenneth, Ordinary Seaman, C/SSX 28189, MPK
 INGALL, George, Able Seaman, C/SSX 15642, MPK
 JOHNSON, Robert, Able Seaman, C/JX 150714, MPK
 JONES, William, Able Seaman, RFR, C/J 95754, MPK
 JOYCE, Herbert, Telegraphist, C/JX 134024, MPK
 KENLEY, George, Able Seaman, C/SSX 16755, MPK
 KINNINMONT, Robert, Act/Engine Room Artificer 4c, C/MX 60307, MPK
 KRESCHMER, Cedric, Py/Midshipman, RNR, MPK
 LECKEY, Joseph, Able Seaman, C/SSX 23785, MPK
 LYNE, Charles, Signalman, C/J 142626, MPK
 MACDERMOTT, Ronald, Able Seaman, C/SSX 16538, MPK
 MANN, Albert, Leading Telegraphist, C/JX 128734, MPK
 MCMEEKIN, Harold, Ordinary Seaman, C/SSX 27721, MPK
 MCNAMARA, Edward, Act/Leading Seaman, C/JX 147884, MPK
 ME, Sing, Chinese Cook (O) 2c, MPK
 MILLS, Sidney, Act/Leading Seaman, C/JX 127890, MPK
 MOORE, George, Stoker 1c, D/KX 86984, MPK
 MORECRAFT, Albert, Able Seaman, C/J 108309, MPK
 MOUNTER, John, Petty Officer, C/J 114250, MPK
 MUNT, George, Ordinary Seaman, C/SSX 21195, MPK
 MURRAY, George, Lieutenant, MPK
 MURTON, Stanley, Able Seaman, C/KX 93378, MPK
 OATES, Wilfred, Stoker 1c, C/KX 93378, MPK
 PALMER, Alexander, Stoker 1c, C/KX 92558, MPK
 PALMER, Ernest, Able Seaman, C/JX 143621, MPK
 PETERS, Ralph, Ordinary Seaman, C/SSX 21239, MPK
 PHILLIPS, Maurice, Act/Leading Stoker, C/KX 83074, MPK
 PORT, Peter, Able Seaman, C/SSX 21785, MPK
 PRATT, Bernard, Able Seaman, C/JX 126172, MPK
 PRICE, Kenneth, Ordinary Seaman, C/SSX 28302, MPK
 PUPLETT, James, Stoker 1c, RFR, C/KX 99443, MPK
 RALPH, Rowland, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 152860, MPK
 READ, George, Act/Leading Seaman, C/J 109974, MPK
 REED, William, Signalman, C/J 106779, MPK
 RIX, Harry, Chief Engine Room Artificer 2c, C/M 24907, MPK
 ROBERTS, William, Able Seaman, C/SSX 21018, MPK
 ROBINSON, John, Able Seaman, C/SSX 20922, MPK
 ROGERS, Clarence, Stoker Petty Officer, C/K 60016, MPK
 SAUNDERS, Frank, Able Seaman, C/J 94447, MPK
 SCHOLFIELD, James, Lieutenant, MPK
 SCOTT, Edward, Stoker 1c, C/KX 90756, MPK
 SELBY, Frederick, Stoker 1c, C/KX 86313, MPK
 SHAUGHNESSY, Michael, Ordinary Seaman, C/SSX 27723, MPK
 SHIELDS, Neil, Stoker 1c, C/KX 94271, MPK
 SMITH, William, Stoker Petty Officer, C/K 64446, MPK
 SPILLER, George, Leading Supply Assistant, C/MX 47607, MPK
 STEVENSON, John, Able Seaman, C/JX 138318, MPK
 SULLIVAN, Cornelius, Stoker 2c, D/KX 95996, MPK
 SURRIDGE, Reginald, Ordinary Seaman, C/SSX 23477, MPK
 SUTTON, George, Stoker 1c, C/KX 88509, MPK
 TAYLOR, George, Able Seaman, C/JX 139440, MPK
 TAYLOR, Victor, Stoker 1c, C/KX 85801, MPK
 THORNTON, William, Able Seaman, P/JX 138757, MPK
 TILDEN, Osmond, Lieutenant (E), MPK
 TURNBULL, William, Able Seaman, C/SSX 148826, MPK
 WALKER, Eric, Electrical Artificer 1c, C/MX 46718, MPK
 WALSH, Florence, Able Seaman, C/SSX 13826, MPK
 WARD, Fred, Chief Petty Officer, C/J 54923, MPK
 WARD, Thomas, Able Seaman, C/SSX 21175, MPK
 WARNER, Alfred, Able Seaman, C/SSX 18532, MPK
 WARR, Edward, Ordinary Seaman, C/SSX 27173, MPK
 WEBB, George, Stoker Petty Officer, C/KX 75153, MPK
 WHITE, Robert, Lieutenant Commander, MPK
 WILKIE, George, Leading Seaman, C/JX 125375, MPK
 WILLIAMS, Frederick, Ordinary Seaman, C/SSX 27485, MPK
 WILLIAMS, Sidney, Supply Petty Officer, C/M 37881, MPK
 WILLIAMS, William, Stoker, C/KX 92667, MPK
 WOOD, George, Engine Room Artificer 3c, C/MX 50444, MPK
 WOOD, Kenneth, Engine Room Artificer 3c, C/MX 53300, MPK
 YOUNG, Hector, Able Seaman, C/SSX 21090, killed
SURVIVORS
 Adams, J, Able Seaman, C/SSX 16954
 Anderson, R, Petty Officer, D/JX 172934, not on board
 Coggar, D W, Chief Petty Officer, C/J 69276
 Crowall, C, Able Seaman, C/JX 142768
 Crowther, G, Stoker 1c, RFR B 18897
 Dodds, J E, Ordinary Seaman, C/SSX 21525
 Durling, A H, Leading Seaman, CJX 134607
 Hale, K R, Able Seaman, C/JX 144448
 Harris, G, Able Seaman, C/JX 138679
 Jenkins, I E, Able Seaman, C/SSX 15479
 Laerence, C H, Able Seaman, C/SSX 21227
 Lowthorpe, J E, Able Seaman RFR B 25414
 Mchardy, R, Leading Seaman, C/JX 127142
 Merry, C R, Able Seaman, C/JX 127588
 Moir, H, Leading Seaman, C/JX 131525
 Passmore, G, Ordinary Seaman, C/SSX 28228, not on board
 Pritchard, John Rowlands, Probationary Lieutenant, RNVR
 Proctor, W R, Ordinary Seaman, C/SSX 27921
 Ratcliffe, T, Able Seaman, C/JX 142482
 Robertson, W, Able Seaman, C/SSX 19870
 Smith, A, Able Seaman, C/SSX 15981
 Swinhow, E, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 156254
 Thurley, C, Telegraphist, C/JX 142461
 Tootel, T, Stoker Petty Officer, C/K 50792
 Willy, J A, Chief Stoker, C/K 85333
 
FAA, 754 Sqn, Daedalus, RNAS, Lee-on-Solent, air crash
 HERIOT-HILL, Richard H M, Lieutenant (A), killed
 MCLAUGHLIN, Michael, Leading Airman, LX/21495, killed
 MOORHEAD, Louis, Air Mechanic (E), JX 145121, killed
 
 
Wednesday, 13 December 1939

13th, Battle of River Plate - Now back in the South Atlantic, “Graf Spee” claimed three more victims to bring the total to nine ships of 50,000 tons, before heading for the South American shipping lanes off the River Plate. Cdre Harwood with Hunting Group G - 8in-gunned cruisers Exeter and Cumberland and 6in light cruisers Ajax and New Zealand Achilles - correctly anticipated her destination. Unfortunately “Cumberland” was by now in the Falklands. At 06.14 on the 13th, 150 miles east of the Plate Estuary, “Graf Spee” (Capt Langsdorff) was reported to the northwest of the three cruisers [1 - see map]. Faced with “Graf Spee's" heavier armament, Cdre Harwood decided to split his force in two and try to divide her main guns. “Exeter” closed to the south [2] while the two light cruisers worked around to the north [3], all firing as they manoeuvred.

“Graf Spee” concentrated her two 11in turrets on “Exeter” which was badly hit [4]. By 06.50 all ships were heading west [5], "Exeter” with only one turret in action and on fire. “Ajax” and “Achilles” continued to harry the pocket battleship from the north [6], but at 07.25 "Ajax" lost her two after turrets to an 11in hit [7] and “Achilles” already had splinter damage. HMS Exeter was forced to break off and head south for the Falklands [8], but "Graf Spee" failed to press home her advantage. By 08.00, still with only superficial damage, she headed for the neutral Uruguayan port of Montevideo, the cruisers shadowing [9]. “GRAF SPEE” entered port at midnight. As other Allied hunting groups headed for the area, much diplomatic manoeuvring took place to hold her there. Finally, on the 17th, Capt Langsdorff edged his ship out into the estuary where she was scuttled and blown up. Only “Cumberland” had arrived by this time. Langsdorff then committed suicide.




13th - "Salmon" torpedoed and damaged German cruisers "Leipzig" and "Nurnberg" in the North Sea as they covered a destroyer mine laying operation off the Tyne Estuary, north east England.

 
BATTLE OF THE RIVER PLATE
 
Achilles, light cruiser (RNZN) (right -  Navy Photos)

GRANT, Ian, Ordinary Seaman, 1734 (NZD), killed
 MILBURN, Neville, Ordinary Telegraphist, D/SSX 23288, killed
 SHAW, Archibald, Able Seaman, 1030 (NZD), killed
 STENNETT, Frank, Telegraphist, D/JX 148899, killed
 
Ajax, light cruiser (centre right - Navy Photos)
 BASHFORD, Cyril, Corporal, CH/X 959, killed
 BURRELLS, Albert, Marine, CH/X 1688, killed
 CLEMENTS, James, Marine, CH/X 654, killed
 FARLEY, William, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 151605, killed
 FOLLETT, Harry, Sergeant, CH/X 688, killed
 FRANCOM, Ernest, Steward, C/LX 21835, killed
 LAMBARD, William, Marine, CH/X 1663, killed
 

Exeter, heavy cruiser (lower right - NP/Paul SImpson and Ian Mort)
 AINGE, Walter, Chief Petty Officer, D/J 52100, DOW
 BACK, Frederick, Engine Room Artificer 4c, D/MX 54489, killed
 BETHELL, Frank, Able Seaman, D/JX 151055, killed
 BETHELL, Joseph, Able Seaman, D/SSX 22452, killed
 BLANDFORD, Bert, Marine, PLY/X 711, killed
 BOWES, Raymond, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX 150342, killed
 BOWMAN-MANIFOLD, John, Lieutenant Commander, killed
 BRIGHT, Daniel, Stoker Petty Officer, D/KX 78984, killed
 BURRAS, Stanley, Stoker 1c, D/KX 92228, killed
 CAMPBELL, Frederick, Stoker 1c, D/KX 88775, killed
 CLARKSON, Richard, Able Seaman, D/JX 151372, killed
 CROKER, Alfred, Marine, PLY/X 835, killed

 DAVIES, Gilbert, Able Seaman, D/SSX 22679, killed
 DOVE, Gilbert, Act/Petty Officer, D/JX 134624, killed
 DYER, Frederick, Shipwright 3c, D/MX 47145, killed

 FRENCH, Frederick, Able Seaman, D/SSX 20765, killed
 GIBSON, Stanley, Able Seaman, D/JX 139907, killed
 HARRINGTON, Stanley, Marine, PLY/ 22286, killed
 HARRIS, Hugh, Petty Officer Telegraphist, D/J 51924, killed
 HIGGINBOTTOM, Alan, Chief Yeoman of Signals, D/J 100565, killed
 HILL, Ronald, Boy Bugler, PLY/X 2238, killed
 HONEY, Leslie, Leading Signalman, D/JX 138212, killed
 JONES, Albert, Stoker Petty Officer, D/K 65933, killed
 KAVANAGH, Michael, Telegraphist, D/SSX 16949, killed
 KELLY, Albert, Stoker 1c, D/KX 82448, killed
 LUMSDEN, Arthur, Telegraphist, D/JX 142445, killed
 MACLEOD, William, Stoker 1c, D/KX 81482, killed
 MANNING, George, Stoker 1c, D/K 59242, killed
 MARSH, William, Corporal, PLY/X 1361, killed
 MCDONNELL, Francis, Able Seaman, D/SSX 15579, killed
 MCEVOY, James, Marine, PO/X 2091, killed
 MILLS, Edward, Marine, PLY/X 1914, killed
 MONKS, Christoper, Stoker 2c, D/KX 96243, killed
 MORSE, Clyde, Act/Sub Lieutenant, MPK
 NAYLOR, Thomas, Able Seaman, D/JX 138243, killed
 O'LEARY, Patrick, Stoker 1c, D/KX 92212, killed
 PARRY, David, Telegraphist, D/JX 141568, killed
 PETT, Bryan, Stoker 1c, D/KX 92198, killed
 PULLYBLANK, Leslie, Leading Supply Assistant, D/MX 50647, killed
 RANDLE, Frank, Stoker Petty Officer, D/K 37155, killed
 REMICK, Tom, Chief Yeoman of Signals, D/J 45240, killed
 RICHARDS, Brynmor, Able Seaman, D/JX 141181, killed
 RICHARDS, Glyndwr, Leading Seaman, D/JX 127862, killed
 RICKCORD, John, Midshipman, killed
 RIGLAR, Arthur, Telegraphist, D/JX 144826, killed
 SMALL, Richard, Blacksmith 3c, D/MX 51352, killed
 SPENCER, Harry, Able Seaman, D/SSX 16592, DOW
 SQUIRE, Ernest, Boy 1c, D/JX 158659, killed
 STEELE, Robert, Stoker Petty Officer, D/K 60833, killed
 STUBBS, Agean, Marine, PLY/X 1370, killed
 TAYLOR, Robert, Telegraphist, D/JX 146419, killed
 TEAGUE, Samuel, Chief Petty Officer Stoker Petty Officer, D/K 57454, killed
 THOMPSON, James, Stoker 1c, D/KX 81575, killed
 TOVEY, George, Stoker Petty Officer, D/KX 80186, killed
 TREGIDGO, Albert, Chief Petty Officer, D/J 89888, killed
 TYLER, Donald, Paymaster Sub Lieutenant, killed
 WILSON, Patrick, Stoker 1c, D/KX 86441, killed
 WOODS, Humphrey, Captain, RM, killed



 Adventure, cruiser-minelayer, accident
 WRIGHT, Leslie, Act/Warrant Stores Officer, died
 
 Basilisk, destroyer
 PERRING, George, Able Seaman, D/JX 144537, illness
 
Deptford, steamship, ship loss
 HOLLIDAY, Walter, Marine, PO/212310 (President III, O/P), killed
 
Kent, heavy cruiser
 BUCKTON, Reginald, Able Seaman, C/JX 96834, illness
 
Lynx, RN Base, Dover
 MORRISON, Malcolm, Seaman, RNR, X/18267 A, drowned
 
Orontes, steamship
 CUSTANCE, Wilfred, Rear Admiral, illness
 
Skiddaw, paddle minesweeper
 LUCAS, Ernest, Seaman, RNR, D/JX 170329, drowned
 
William Hallett, auxiliary patrol trawler, ship loss
 ADDISON, James, Deck Hand, RNR, NAP, MPK
 COLE, Albert, 2nd Mate, RNR, 1104148, MPK
 HANNANT, Charles, Skipper, RNR, MPK
 HOLLAND, Norman, Fireman, RNR, NAP, MPK
 LINDORES, Gavin, 3rd Hand, RNR, 26885, MPK
 LINDORES, Robert, Deck Hand, RNR, 426613, MPK
 THEODAVAKIS, Andrew, 2nd Engineman, RNR, NAP, MPK
 YOUNG, John, Cook, RNR, NAP, MPK
 
 
Thursday, 14 December 1939
 
Drake, RN Base, Devonport
 STEWART, John, Leading Stoker, RNPS, LT/X 31440, died
 
Edinburgh, light cruiser
 SLIMON, James, Surgeon Lieutenant Commander, train accident, died
 
Exeter, heavy  cruiser, Battle of the River Plate
 HILL, Leonard, Able Seaman, D/J 44825, DOW
 PHILLIPS, Alfred, Act/Leading Seaman, D/JX 142946, DOW
 
Glasgow, light cruiser
 DAVEY, Allen, Petty Officer, P/JX 127182, accident, killed
 
James Ludford, Admiralty trawler, ship loss
 ALLAM, George, Petty Officer, P/J 104781, MPK
 BOURNER, Leonard, Signalman, P/J 109164, MPK
 CARPENTER, Albert, Stoker, P/K 61240, MPK
 CRICHTON, Alexander, Seaman, RNR (PS), LT/X 7989 C, MPK
 GRAHAM, Malcolm, Seaman, RNR (PS), LT/X 7618 C, MPK
 KAY, Charles, Stoker 1c, P/K 56987, MPK
 LEWIS, Harry, Lieutenant Commander, MPK
 MACARTHUR, Dugald, Chief Skipper, RNR, MPK
 MAIN, Alexander, Seaman, RNR (PS), LT/X 18718 A, MPK
 MATHESON, Alexander, Seaman, RNR (PS), LT/X 77650, MPK
 MEREDITH, Matthew, Seaman, RNR (PS), LT/X 7313 C, MPK
 MITCHELL, John, Leading Seaman, RNR, D/ 6092 D, MPK
 PARFITT, Thomas, Chief Mechanician, P/K 26982, MPK
 POCOCK, Stanley, Stoker 1c, P/SS 121559, MPK
 STOWELL, William, Seaman, RNR, P/X 10322 B, MPK
 TREAGUS, Arthur, Stoker Petty Officer, P/K 23304, MPK
 WARWICK, Frederick, Leading Stoker, P/KX 77134, MPK
 
Royal Marine Barracks Eastney, Portsmouth
 MAYES, John, Corporal, CH/ 23682, illness
 
Royal Marines, Chatham Division Barracks
 COOTE, Clare, Marine, CH/13513, died
 
 
Friday, 15 December 1939
 
Exeter, heavy cruiser, Battle of the River Plate
 GEORGE, Evan, Leading Stoker, D/K 65213, DOW
 
Titania, submarine depot ship, at Blyth
 MOORE, Jean, Leading WRNS, 4662, died
 
Worcestershire, armed merchant cruiser
 MOULTON, John, Steward, T.124, accident, died
 
 
Saturday, 16 December 1939
 
Evelina, auxiliary patrol trawler, ship loss
 BAILEY, Richard, 2nd Engineman, NAP, MPK
 BRUNTON, Robert, Fireman, NAP, MPK
 COWLING, John, Skipper, RNR, MPK
 CURTIS, Matthew, 2nd Hand, NAP, MPK
 PEARSON, William, 3rd Hand, NAP, MPK
 REED, George, Deckhand, NAP, MPK
 ROBINSON, Robert, Cook, NAP, MPK
 SUTHERLAND, David, 1st Engineman, NAP, MPK
 TRIPP, Jack, Deckhand, NAP, MPK
 
Exeter, heavy cruiser, Battle of the River Plate
 LEGG, Frank, Petty Officer Cook, D/MX 52427, DOW
 
FAA, 814 Sqn, Hermes, aircraft carrier, flying in Swordfish, air crash
 COOMBS, Basil, Lieutenant, killed
 
Robert Hastie, auxiliary patrol trawler
 YOUNG, James, Skipper, RNR, died, body recovered 6 June 1940
 
Sedgefly, anti-submarine trawler, ship loss
 DYBALL, Edward, 2nd Hand, RNR (PS), LT/X 101 SB, MPK
 ELLOTT, Charles, Able Seaman, C/J 106167, MPK
 GREENING, Alfred, Seaman, D/J 170490, MPK
 HARE, Albert, Stoker, RNR (PS), LT/X 10505 S, MPK
 HIGGINS, Joseph, Stoker, RNR (PS), LT/223 W, MPK
 INNES, John, Leading Seaman, RNR (PS), LT/X 7925 C, MPK
 JENKINSON, George, 1st Engineman, RNPS, LT/KX 98268, MPK
 LADEFOGED, Thane, Ordinary Signalman, P/LD/X 3841, MPK
 POOL, Charles, Seaman Steward, RNPS, LT/JX 163967, MPK
 PRATT, Harry, Seaman Cook, RNPS, LT/JX 163971, MPK
 RILATT, Eric, Able Seaman, RNR (PS), LT/X 31313 A, MPK
 SMITH, Alexander, Engineman, RNPS, LT/KX 99043, MPK
 STOCKS, Royce, Chief Skipper, RNR, MPK
 THAMES, Samuel, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 170513, MPK
 WILSON, George, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 170491, MPK
 WORRELL, William, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 170526, MPK
 
 
Sunday, 17 December 1939
 
Exeter, heavy cruiser, Battle of the River Plate
 POWTON, Richard, Chief Petty Officer Cook, D/M 27983, DOW
 
Merlin, RNAS, Donbristle, Fife, Scotland
 PARKER, Leonard, Act/Petty Officer, D/FX 80247, drowned
 
Plumer, minesweeping drifter
 STUART, William, Engineman, RNPS, LT/KX 98762, drowned
 
 
Tuesday, 19 December 1939
 
Furious, aircraft carrier
 STONE, George, Able Seaman, D/J 54768, illness
 
Oxfordshire, hospital ship
 CATLEY, Oliver, Master At Arms, D/M 35821 (Albatros, O/P), natural causes, died
 
 
Wednesday, 20 December 1939
 
Scotstoun, armed merchant cruiser
 BROWN, Edward, 6th Engineer, T.124, died
 
 
Thursday, 21 December 1939
 
Bagshot, minesweeper
 GAGE, Arol, Lieutenant, died in air crash
 
Bayonet, boom defence vessel, ship loss
 BARRON, William, Ty/Boom Engineer, RNR, killed
 TOUGH, Charles, Stoker 1c, R/KX 98975, killed
 WATSON, Andrew, Stoker Petty Officer, KX 99019, killed
 
Drake, RN Base, Devonport
 VINCER, Harold, Warrant Stores Officer, illness
 
Harrow, minesweeper
 HOCKING, Philip, Lieutenant, flying from China to UK, died in air crash
 
Skirmisher, RN Base, Milford Haven, Wales
 STILL, James, Skipper, RNR, illness
 
 
Saturday, 23 December 1939
 
Exeter, heavy cruiser, Battle of the River Plate
 COLLINGS, Anthony, Chief Shipwright 2c, D/M 143336, DOW
 
Royal Marines, Chatham Division
 DAVIDSON, William, Marine, CH/X 919, killed in road accident
 
 
Sunday, 24 December 1939
 
Cairo, light cruiser
 FAWCETT, Christopher, Leading Stoker, P/K 9651, drowned
 
Loch Doon, anti-submarine trawler
 STORY, Edward, Seaman, RNR (PS), LT/X 21069 A, MPK
 
 
Monday, 25 December 1939
 
Beaver, RN Base, Grimsby
 REID, Robert, Stoker, RNR (PS), LT/X 9921, drowned
 
Chandbali (RIN), auxiliary patrol trawler
 GULAB, Khan Y, Sukhani, 71312 (RIN), died
 
Isis, destroyer
 TAYLOR, Frederick, Able Seaman, D/J 105281, died
 
Jersey, destroyer
 MOORE, Raymond, Ordinary Seaman, P/SSX 26534, died
 
Loch Doon, anti-submarine trawler, ship loss
 ALTASS, Fred, Engineman, C/KX 98623, MPK
 CRESSEY, Arthur, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 166253, MPK
 HUNTER, James, Stoker, RNPS, LT/KX 99394, MPK
 JOHNSON, Eric, Seaman, RNPS, LT/JX 166255, died
 KAVENEY, James, Seaman, C/JX 166248, MPK
 MERCER, John, Seaman, C/JX 166254, MPK
 MILNE, James, Stoker, RNR (PS), LT/X 10107 S, (aka John Savage), MPK
 SEYMOUR, William, Seaman, RNR (PS), LT/X 20237 A, MPK
 SPICE, Leonard, Leading Seaman, RNR (PS), LT/ 5564 D, MPK
 TEASDEL, Leonard, Seaman Cook, RNPS, LT/JX 165014, MPK
 THOMPSON, George, Skipper, RNR, MPK
 WADSWORTH, Frederick, Able Seaman, C/J 4420, MPK
 WALKER, George, Ordinary Signalman, C/SSX 23535, MPK
 WEST, Richard, Engineman, RNR (PS), LT/X 5940 ES, MPK
 WINPENNY, Christopher, 2nd Hand, RNR (PS), LT/X 21910, MPK
 
Maidstone, submarine depot ship
 LYNCH, James, Stoker 1c, P/KX 83102, died from fall
 
Victory, RN Base, Portsmouth
 HOARE, George, Stoker Petty Officer, P/KX 86834, illness
 
 
Tuesday, 26 December 1939
 
Pyramus, RN Base, Kirkwell, Orkneys
 MACLEOD, Evander, Seaman, RNR, D/X 21184 A, died
 
 
Thursday, 28 December 1939

  28th - Two weeks after colliding with "Duchess", "Barham" was torpedoed and damaged off the Hebrides by "U-30" (Lt Cdr Lemp)

Barbara Robertson, armed pattrol trawler, ship loss
 CLARK, George E H H, Deck Hand, Fishing Fleet under T124 Articles, killed
 
Barham (right - CyberHeritage), torpedoed

LOCKLEY, Thomas, Ordinary Seaman, P/SSX 26944, MPK
 MCGUIRE, John, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 151063, MPK
 TODD, George, Ordinary Seaman, P/SSX 28015, MPK
 WATT, James, Ordinary Seaman, P/SSX 27408, MPK
 
Prestol, RFA oiler
 WIGGETT, George, Able Seaman, P/J 4202, died
 
Pyramus, RN Base, Kirkwell, Orkneys
 STANFORTH, George, Lieutenant, RNR, illness
 
Victory, RN Base, Portsmouth
 BACON, Basil, Stoker 2c, P/KX 100199, died
 
Walpole, destroyer
 GILROY, Henry, Able Seaman, RNVR, D/TD/X 1313, died
 
 
Friday, 29 December 1939
 
Boadicea, destroyer
 LITTLETON, William, Petty Officer Stoker, C/KX 76502, died
 
Cheshire, armed merchant cruiser
 DUNDAS, Charles, Ty/Commander (E), RNR, illness
 
 
Saturday, 31 December 1939
 
Osprey, RN Base, Portland
 COLYER, John, Steward, D/L 2097, died
 
Royal Arthur, RN Training Establishment, Skegness, Lincs
 STRANGE, James, Ordinary Seaman, JX 171240, illness



Shipping War Loss Summary

7 British, Allied and Neutral ships of 38,000 tons in the Atlantic from all causes; 1 German pocket battleship.

66 British, Allied and Neutral ships of 152,000 tons in UK waters.




SUMMARY OF ROYAL NAVY LOSSES - SEPTEMBER to DECEMBER 1939


During this period of the "Phoney War", 2327 Royal Navy men died, mainly at sea. Over 1,800 were accounted for in losses that included battleship Royal Oak, carrier Courageous, destroyers Duchess and  Gipsy, submarine Oxley and armed merchant cruiser Rawalpindi, as well as a number of small auxiliaries. 



on to January 1940
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revised 12/9/16